Intersections between disability, masculinities, and violence: experiences and insights from men with physical disabilities from three African countries

Background: Gender-transformative work in the Global South often focuses on transforming ‘toxic masculinities’ to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), but there has been little research on whether and how constructions of masculinities by men with disabilities shape their experiences and perpetration of violence. Methods: We used repeated in-depth interviews and content analysis to understand whether and how physical disability intersects with the construction of masculinities and experience/perpetration of violence among 15 adult men with physical disabilities participating in interventions to prevent IPV in Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa. Results: Societal expectations and participants’ aspirations around masculinity impacted their vulnerability to violence mainly by men without disabilities. Participants reported experiences of disrespect and social exclusion in their communities and felt incapable of protecting themselves when being violated. Most participants felt they were not providing for their families and perceived themselves as having lost decision-making and positions of power in their homes. They expressed their disappointment with having reduced stamina, virility, and sexual prowess in intimate partnerships as a result of their disability. While participants reported that they could not attain key markers of idealized masculinity, placed upon and often internalized by themselves, they longed to achieve these markers to facilitate their inclusion and acceptance in their communities. Conclusions: Programmers addressing violence need to engage with men with physical disabilities and consider the intersectionality of masculinities and disability, how these reinforce patriarchal norms and how men with disabilities can be included and enabled to overcome their conflict between disability and masculinities.